Pleasure Boats, Chelsea 1888 - 1889

Theodore Roussel’s “Pleasure Boats, Chelsea” (1888-1889) is an etching that captures the tranquil scene of a dock in Chelsea, England. The black and white print portrays a group of small boats tied to a pier, with two figures observing them, while larger vessels in the distance suggest a bustling harbor. Roussel’s style in the etching is characterized by a delicate line that captures the details of the boats and figures, creating a sense of depth and movement. The work is considered part of the Realism genre, representing the everyday life of the working class with a focus on accurate depiction. Today, the work is held in the Art Institute of Chicago, giving viewers a glimpse into the beauty of everyday life in the late 19th-century.